Great Expectations follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who lives with his sister and her husband. Pip seeks to better his station by gaining an education and making connections with the wealthy, particularly Miss Havisham and her adopted daughter, Estella. After receiving a mysterious inheritance, he becomes a gentleman in London, learns the truth about his benefactor, and matures through various trials and relationships.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is lauded for its rich character development and vivid depiction of Victorian society. Critics praise its intricate plot and profound themes of social class and personal redemption. However, some find the pacing slow and the prose occasionally dense. Overall, it's considered a classic with enduring literary value.

Readers who enjoy Great Expectations by Charles Dickens typically appreciate intricate character development, themes of personal growth, and social critique. Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, which also explore complex characters and societal issues, would likely enjoy this novel.

Charles Dickens

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Great Expectations reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Great Expectations | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Great Expectations and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Great Expectations Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Great Expectations Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

Great Expectations Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-19

Great Expectations Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

Great Expectations Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-33

Great Expectations Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-40

Great Expectations Chapters 34-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-48

Great Expectations Chapters 41-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-56

Great Expectations Chapters 49-56 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 57-59

Great Expectations Chapters 57-59 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Great Expectations Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Great Expectations Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Great Expectations Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Great Expectations Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Great Expectations Essay Topics

Great Expectations

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Great Expectations?

Reading Age

Book Details